2026 Yorkshire Cup, sponsored by Wold Top Brewery, at Scarborough Yacht Club
by Rudi Barman 5 May 08:31 BST
25-26 April 2026
The 2026 Yorkshire Cup, hosted by Scarborough Yacht Club and proudly sponsored by Wold Top Brewery, delivered an outstanding weekend of competitive sailing, with near-perfect conditions and a strong fleet of 17 boats competing in the season's first major regatta.
Sailors were treated to what many described as "champagne sailing", with steady 15-20 knot winds, sunshine, and tightly contested racing across four races held over two days.
Despite early forecasts predicting light airs, the fresh breeze created dynamic conditions that saw crews making last-minute tactical decisions, including headsail changes before racing commenced.
Race management was led by RYA Race Officer Imogen Gibb, supported by Don from Rutland Water Sailing Club. The introduction of new X-course layouts, incorporating extra marks positioned around the bays which gave our race officer plenty of options and the new courses kept the fleet on their toes.
The event's success was made possible through the continued support of sponsors, including Wold Top Brewery, alongside Fusion Resources, Whitby Web Design, Fred Tiles Photography, and Scarborough Speedboat Rides. Their contributions ensured a seamless experience both on the water and ashore.
Organisers also paid tribute to the club's Sailing and Social Committees, whose efforts in race coordination, hospitality, and catering created a welcoming and professional environment both on and
off the race course.
Competition on the water was exceptionally close, with many races decided by mere seconds on YTC corrected time, highlighting the high standard of racing across the fleet.
Taking overall victory was Firebird, a hunter Impala, delivering a dominant and consistent performance with a scoreline of 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st. The team, with a guest sailors from Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club, included members of the renowned 707 Sharky crew, alongside regulars Jimmy, Mike, and Dave.
Notably, Jimmy secured back-to-back Yorkshire Cup successes, having also won the 2025 edition aboard the 707 Racehorse last year.
Strong performances were also recorded by Goodbye Micky Mouse, a Sonata skippered by David Podmore, and the Formula 28 Jimmy Cricket, helmed by Robin Grey. Impressively, the latter team achieved consistent front-of-fleet finishes in only their second outing in thier new boat, marking them as serious contenders for the season ahead.
With exceptional sailing conditions, competitive racing, and strong community spirit, the 2026 Yorkshire Cup has set a high benchmark for the racing season to come.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Owner | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | GBR9545 Firebird | Karen Temple & Jimmy Cliff | 3 |
| 2 | GBR8347N Goodbye Mi... | David Podmore | 5 |
| 3 | GBR6539 Jiminy Cricket | Robin Gray | 8 |
| 4 | GBR8116N Sting | Gerard Dyson & Richard Delves | 13 |
| 5 | GBR 4574 Revenge | A Smith, P Coopland, P McQuillan and Rudi Barman | 14 |
| 6 | GBR9298R Dodjer | Jan & Martin Stallard | 17 |
| 7 | GBR5490L Northern Light | Anthony Dearden | 18 |
| 8 | GBR9616 Imptish | Malcolm Hall, Tracey Wain & Simon Quince | 20 |
| 9 | GBR6402T Gi Gi | Jonny Barker & Tom Hill | 23 |
| 10 | GBR 1532C Rascal | Mick & Fiona Mullane | 31 |
| 11 | 5407C Dolphin | Jon Livesey | 32 |
| 12 | GBR7062 Bruce T | 707 Assoc / SYC | 34 |
| 13 | GBR5685 Jos of Avon | Nick Taylor | 40 |
| 14 | GBR5570 Starchick | Paul Andrews | 40 |
| 15 | GBR4150L Tomtit | Ralph Pickard, Gary Walker & Mike Atkinson | 45 |
| 16 | GBR6515 Dash | Martin Donnelly & Jean Swift | 49 |
| 17 | GBR 5293T Little Jeannie | Kelvin Robertson | 50 |